Joseph T. Kelley, Ph.D., D.Min.

Director

Center for the Study of Jewish-Christian-Muslim Relations
Ph.D. Religious Studies, Boston University

Dr. Joseph T. Kelley has been appointed Director of the Center as of June 1, 2011. He also serves as Dean of Experiential Learning and Assistant to the Vice President for Mission and Student Affairs, as well as Associate Professor in Religious and Theological Studies, and founder of the Center for Augustinian Study and Legacy at Merrimack.

Joe holds the Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Boston University, a D. Min. in clinical pastoral psychology from the Andover-Newton Theological School, an M.A. in Theology (Liturgical Studies) from the Catholic University of America, and a B.A. in philosophy from Villanova University. Since his arrival at Merrimack in 1974, he has also served as Provost, Vice President for Mission, Vice President for Student Life, and Director of Campus Ministry. He has taught theology and religious studies on the undergraduate and graduate levels at Merrimack and elsewhere.

Joe is a clinical psychologist, musician, and author of Faith in Exile: Finding Hope in Times of Doubt (Paulist Press, 2003), 101 Questions and Answers on the Four Last Things (Paulist Press, 2006), 101 Questions and Answers on Prayer (Paulist Press, 2008), and Saint Augustine of Hippo: Selections from Confessions and Other Essential Writings-Annotated and Explained (SkyLight Paths Publications, 2010). He speaks often to parish and community groups in New England and around the United States, and in Australia.

A contributing editor for the New Catholic Encyclopedia (Second Edition), Joe has also authored scholarly articles in the areas of pastoral psychology, liturgical-ritual studies, and Augustinian Studies. He serves as a board member of the Augustinian Heritage Institute in Villanova, Pennsylvania

He and his wife Alina have two children, Kasia and Patyrk. Joe and Alina are affiliates of the Order of St. Augustine, and reside in Methuen, Massachusetts near Boston. They love to hike, ski, and travel to visit friends and family in Poland, Italy, and Spain.